Woodward strengthens partnership with youth empowerment group shares similar mentoring values

Woodward has renewed its partnership with STOKED, a nationwide youth development organization dedicated to empowering underserved youth through action sports.

“We are joining forces once again to not only teach,” Chris “Gunny” Gunnarson, Woodward’s global president, said in a press release. “We cultivate a mindset of self-confidence, inclusivity, and continuous progress that extends beyond the boardroom into every aspect of life.”

Headquartered in New York City, STOKED has been partnering since 2021 with Park City-based Woodward, a collection of camps, terrain parks and mountain resort experiences focused on inspiring and empowering the next generation in action sports. Woodward is owned by Powdr, which is also headquartered in Park City.

“Most of our work together was around residential summer camps or overnight summer camps in Pennsylvania and California,” said Phoebe Mills, vice president of camp experiences and programming. “As they renovate, we intend to expand their impact at all Woodward locations, including mountain resorts.”

The renewal of the collaboration will expand youth programs at Woodward camps, including Park City. These programs will focus on skateboarding and snowboarding and aim to encourage participants to push their limits while developing confidence, creativity and endurance.

“All of our members at Woodward Park City, all of our summer campers and even our staff, act responsibly and provide an uplifting and positive welcoming environment for each other,” Mills said. “Through this partnership, we have extended that to our mountain resorts to ensure that we all have those behavioral expectations of treating each other well.”

With the expansion of programs, Woodward staff will receive training to better assist children participating in the programs.

“Leadership teams at Woodward locations will undergo diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging training. “This training will be led by the STOKED president who has experience in this field,” said Mills. “Woodward is launching the STOKED mentor training program for front-line coaches and mentors. This training will focus on STOKED’s philosophy of being a positive mentor to youth.”

Focused on removing barriers that may prevent children from participating in action sports, Woodward Park City prioritizes need-based scholarships. They also offer support through local organizations such as Youth United to help children participate.

“I think sometimes when you look at the mountain and you see jumps and terrain parks, Woodward can look scary,” Mills said. “But really, if you’re brave enough to walk through the door and get up the mountain, you’ll see that we truly have something for everyone.”

Woodward offers a variety of programs and events throughout the year. You can find more information about their offerings, including their upcoming winter lineup, on their website. woodwardparkcity.com.